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Yet another auction and yet more record breaking prices for items at Sotheby’s latest auction.  The auction house held its

Courtesy of Sothebys

“Magnificent and Noble Jewels” auction this past May 17^th, which held numerous and luxurious pieces from around the globe.

Sotheby’s Geneva’s Magnificent and Noble Jewels auction broke many records, including the most paid ever for emeralds, as well as the second most paid ever for a very rare, very fancy pink diamond.

The record breaking item, which was sold for approximately $12.76 million dollars, was none other than a very ornate and luxurious emerald and diamond tiara.  This whimsical tiara was sold for the highest price ever for a tiara, let alone the unique diamond and emerald bauble.  This extraordinary piece was once part of the collection of Princess Katharina Henckel Von Donnersmarck. The gorgeous green tiara was the highest paid at auction for any emerald piece of jewelry.  Gorgeous and rightfully so! 

The second jaw dropping price that was paid at this ‘Magnificent’ jewels, and yes, they are quite magnificent, was a gorgeous and very rare fancy diamond.  This diamond is a stunning, and intense pink hue and was the third highest price paid for a pink diamond in the auction house’s illustrious history.  The 10.99 carat diamond was sold for approximately $10.8 million dollars at the recent auction.  Overall, the price that was paid for this stunner was the ninth overall highest price paid for a diamond in a Sotheby’s auction.

Each of these beautiful baubles are unique and extraordinary and overall ‘magnificent’ in their own way!  Wouldn’t you like to add at least one, if not both, of these to your own personal collection?

No other gem has as many legendary tales and superstitions surrounding it, than Emerald itself.  The rich history of this stone starts off with tales as old as time, as Cleopatra was said to have a passion for this gorgeous green gem.  Cleopatra was determined to have the largest collection of this beautiful green stone and in fact, it was said that some of the Cleopatra mines were particularly designated for mining the precious stones only to be used by Cleopatra’s royal adornment and royal regalia.    

Legends and superstitions have swarmed this incredible green stone and rumors have been abundant and running rapid since their popularity of this precious stone has swelled.  The ancient world was the very beginning of many various tales of this luscious green stone.  One famous tale says it entitles the holder of the stone to have eternal youth and thus a rebirth.  Emeralds have also been greatly sought after for being capable of bringing about love to those who hold it near.   The most important of all legends of Emeralds comes from the ancient times, with Emerald said to bring the beholder the ability to foresee the future!

Emeralds have long been known, and utterly admired for their beautiful green color.  The gorgeous color it holds has been suggested to relieve stress and eye strain, simply by looking at the stone!   Emeralds have long been thought to be able to give the beholder the gift of eloquence as well as to become more intelligent and quick-witted.  Due to these factors, and immense popularity of the color of the stone itself, it has been used for hundred of years in both royal and religious adornments.  Emerald has been a stone of choice for many European countries, and Asian countries for centuries.   

Emeralds have been mined from the Earth since the days of the infamous Cleopatra mines in ancient Egypt.  Those have since been exhausted, and now Emeralds are still found naturally in a few countries around the world.  Presently, Columbia is the main source and largest producer of Emeralds.  These mines have been greatly recognized for their excellent quality and outstanding color.  Other main sources for unearthing this beautiful gem include Brazil, Russia and Zimbabwe.  Each of these places are recognized for their exquisite and deep shades.

Caring for these incredible stones is actually quite the easy task.  To clean Emeralds simply use warm, soapy water to polish to perfection! When taking care, and adorning yourself with this precious stone remember to stay away from harsh detergents as they can cause damage to the stone itself. 

See if these legends hold true for you! Check out this gorgeous stone, which also happens to be the birthstone for May! Emerald is the perfect color and representation for the spring renewal of this time.  Looking for a twentieth or thirty-fifth wedding anniversary present?  Emeralds happen to be a perfect present for that someone special as it represents each of those milestones.